Doris P. Smith's Obituary
Doris Smith, a native New Yorker was born on August 17, 1934 at Columbia Presbyterian Center in New York City. She attended NY public schools and received her B.A. Degree in Accounting from Hunter College. She travelled extensively with her husband Edward during his tour of duty with the U.S. Air Force including living in Europe for four years.
Doris entered the child care services community as an assistant teacher in 1964, and taught three-year old’s at the Victory Day Care Center, in the Bronx. In 1968 she accepted the position of Caseworker for the Division of Day Care with the New York Dept. of Social Services.
Her career in Day Care services led to increased responsibilities in her positions with the Human Resources Administration as Family Counselor, Senior Supervisor, New York State Fair Hearing Officer, and Deputy Director of the Agency for Child Development’s Bronx Regional Office #1. She retired in 1994.
Doris and Ed were passionate about traveling. Some of the places they traveled included, Europe (Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, UK), Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico, Bahamas, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Panama, and South Africa. Doris also visited 48 of 50 U.S. States.
Doris and Ed were married for 64 years. Doris is the Mother of three (Karen, Susanne, and Stephen) and Grandmother of six (Erica, Steven, Phillip, Gregory, Jason, and Kayla) and Great grandmother of three (Steven, Ian, and Kori).
Messages from the Family:
From Daughter Karen:
Mom's sense of adventure came from her mother and was shared with her children and grandchildren. This adventurous spirit saw her and dad traveling the world. That same sense of adventure and fearlessness allowed her children to follow our dreams. "Go, Live... and here is some money". (Big Smile)
My dad, Aunt June, her children, grandchildren, family and friends that became family were everything to her. She was the center of our family activities from family reunions to family trips to just staying in touch...with everyone. She was there for every special moment of our lives from basketball games, dropping us at summer camp or first days of college, high school and college graduations, weddings, and the births of her grandchildren. Mom ALWAYS showed up for each and every one of us in countless ways.
Mom, I will be forever grateful to God that I was your daughter. I miss you already. Rest In Peace.
From Daughter Susanne
Mom, You have always been a shining example of how a Mother’s Love is to shown her children. You displayed love, compassion, forgiveness, support, and encouragement. I miss you dearly. I am so grateful for having your love and support in my life for 61 years. You have truly been a blessing to me. You will always be in my heart. Loving You Always, Sue
From Son Stephen
My mom was loving, upbeat, supportive, encouraging, and protective all at the same time. She was selfless, putting me and my sisters needs before her own, wanting nothing but the best for us. Mom had a thirst for traveling and enjoyed taking us on family trips. Through travel we got to experience life outside of our neighborhood, which showed us there was so much more the world had to offer. She was my safety net, which help me grow self-esteem and the confidence that I could do whatever I put my mind too. I knew no matter what I was going through she would support me. When I fell she picked me up, dusted me off, and sent me on my way with no judgement, just encouragement to do better next time. I’m going to miss you mom, truly the example of unconditional love.
From Husband, Ed
Hi mom … just a few words to let you know that I’m still holding your hand and don’t intend to ever let it go.
You know the first day we met I was overwhelmed by that sense of grace and dignity that you carried throughout your life.
I never told you, but on that day when we began our journey together, 67 years ago, within minutes of seeing you I prayed that I would be good enough to earn your love.
I’ve told the family that my life began the day I met you. You made me thankful, you made me proud, and you made me a better person. But then again I think you know that.
The family- what a great job you did of that. You only have to look at any of them, Karen, Susanne, or Stephen, the grandchildren, or great grandchildren, to see that God took a little of your spirit and shared it with them. They will all be okay.
Love you sweetie and I’ll see you again soon.
What’s your fondest memory of Doris?
What’s a lesson you learned from Doris?
Share a story where Doris' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Doris you’ll never forget.
How did Doris make you smile?